World tourism organisation convenes climate conference in philippines is it enough?

Green campaigner Geoffrey Lipman says NO – exclusive interview

Valere Tjolle Geoffrey it must be satisfying for you to see that the UNWTO has convened a Climate Conference in the Philippines, given your call for a new Davos style Summit?

Geoffrey Lipman Yes. Although I would be conceited to see any connection. It’s a very good start to the process – clearly regional initiatives to raise awareness and begin to identify the real issues we face, are a very good thing. I hope we will see more of them. And I still think we need a Global Multistakeholder event with scientific underpinnings, pro and con analysis and adequate time for serious debate and commitment setting – the new IPCC Report only underscores the need. 

VT Does the IPCC report, in your view, add anything new?

GL Well I haven’t read the details and the latest views of the Scientific Community are always important. But my take is that this is more of the same underlying realities with a shift that seems to say we can make great adaptation moves if we act faster and invest more dramatically. My point, you recall is that weather change is not just scientific, it’s felt by decision makers and consumers alike so it’s economic and telegenic. And it will provide a new window of political opportunity to take the tough regulatory decisions and creative investment actions to help the change process

VT So a shift from mitigation to adaptation?

GL A subtle shift but an important one because adaptation is a more likely path for a green growth scenario in our sector which is so interconnected to every other sector. I’ve been arguing that if we recognize those realities, commit to meaningful 2050 "two degrees" strategies and act coherently inside that envelope, then technology and innovation will help us along the way.

VT Some critics would say that technology can only do so much, particularly given the critical transport impacts – not just the aviation, where the issues are well argued, but the massive road travel volumes – much of it domestic – with its high fossil fuel demand.

GL Yes and of course they have a point, based on what we currently know about technology implementation, But 30 years of adaptation is a long time when it comes to research breakthroughs  – 30 years ago no smartphones, no internet, certainly no idea of 3d bio-printing, nanotechnology,  graphene and the like. And as Dr. Johnson famously said "there is nothing so concentrates the mind as the prospect of being hanged on the morrow!"

Which is why I’m excited about ICTP’s "Outside the Box: Inside the Paradigm" web space to identify technology initiatives that can help advance green growth in our sector

VT Can you tell us more about that?

GL Watch this space

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